Experimental Studies Defining ω‐3 Fatty Acid Antiinflammatory Mechanisms and Abrogation of Tumor‐Related Syndromes

Abstract

Clinical and experimental evidence has supported a benefit for the inclusion of fish oils (a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids) as a component of a normal healthy diet. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to be of benefit in a number of inflammation-associated disease states, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, and sepsis. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are thought to occur through the postulated antiinflammatory actions of omega-3 fats; however, the specific mechanism(s) of action has not been completely defined. In this review, we discuss the recent progress made in our laboratory on defining the mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids activity.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Mass Is Significantly Reduced in Dyslipidemic Patients Treated With Lifestyle Modification and Combination Lipid-Modifying Drug Therapy

“…Omega‐3 fatty acids associated with lowering Lp‐PLA 2 mass concentration even in the absence of its effect on LDL‐C could be attributed to their anti‐inflammatory actions, improvement in endothelial function, reduced platelet aggregations, and a favorable affect on autonomic tone. In addition, omega‐3 fatty acids decrease overall vascular inflammation by suppressing the production proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐6 and tissue necrosis factor α and stabilizing plaque configuration, eventually decreasing the levels of Lp‐PLA 2 25–27 . Similarly, an additional 20% reduction of Lp‐PLA 2 on statin plus niacin therapy is because of the anti‐inflammatory action of niacin that helps in stabilizing the plaques 28 …”

“…In addition, omega-3 fatty acids decrease overall vascular inflammation by suppressing the production proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tissue necrosis factor a and stabilizing plaque configuration, eventually decreasing the levels of Lp-PLA 2 . [25][26][27] Similarly, an additional 20% reduction of Lp-PLA 2 on statin plus niacin therapy is because of the anti-inflammatory action of niacin that helps in stabilizing the plaques. 28 Ezetimibe is another nonstatin lipid-lowering drug that has also been shown to lower Lp-PLA 2 mass concentration.…”

Effects of lifestyle counseling and combination lipid-modifying therapy on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass concentration

“…33 Omega-3 fatty acids appear to decrease overall vascular inflammation, with an associated decrease in proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tissue necrosis factor-a, and eventually decreases the levels of Lp-PLA 2 . [34][35][36] Similarly, additional 20% reduction of Lp-PLA 2 on statin plus niacin therapy may reflect an anti-inflammatory action of niacin that helps in stabilizing plaques. 24,37 Ezetimibe is another lipid-lowering drug that has been found to lower the Lp-PLA 2 mass concentration.…”

Fish oil ameliorates the allograft arteriosclerosis of intestine on rats

“…Clinical and experimental evidence showed that n‐3 PUFAs has anti‐inflammatory actions in a number of inflammation‐associated disease states, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, and sepsis (15). Recent studies of n‐3 fatty acids have focused their attention on the field of transplantation; n‐3 fatty acids might have an advantageous effects on the rejection process, reducing nephrotoxicity, and allograft survival (9, 16–20).…”